System and method for detecting potential property insurance fraud

ABSTRACT

Methods for assessing a condition of property for insurance purposes include determining a concentration of a molecular constituent at the insured property. The molecular constituent may be a byproduct or residual product of anthropogenic fire accelerants or anthropogenic sources of ignition or explosion. In some embodiments, the concentration of the molecular constituent at the insured property is determined using spectral imaging technology. Radiative transfer computer models may be used to determine the concentration of the molecular constituent based on spectral images.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.14/589,327, filed Jan. 5, 2015 and published as U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 2015/0193884, which is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.13/547,597, filed Jul. 12, 2012 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,929,586,which is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No.13/301,281, filed on Nov. 21, 2011 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,306,258, which is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.12/117,867, filed on May 9, 2008 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,081,795,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system and method for assessingproperty conditions and, more particularly, to use remote sensing forassessing property conditions and potential insurance fraud.

BACKGROUND

Within the insurance industry, a typical process for generating a claiminvolves first receiving notice from an insured that a loss hasoccurred. Next, an insurance representative conducts a personal visit tothe premises to assess the damage. Additionally, if there is evidencethat the damage was caused intentionally, an insurance fraudinvestigation may be conducted. Upon completion of the on-site visit,the insurance representative submits to the home office an assessmentregarding the monetary amount of the damage and/or potential insurancefraud. Upon receipt of the assessment, the insurance company begins theclaim process.

One drawback to the existing process is that insurance personnel may beunable to physically access the insured property. After a majorcatastrophe, such as a hurricane, flood, wild fire, or tornado, largeareas of a community may be cordoned off to all except emergencypersonnel. Further, even if an insurance representative was able toreach the property, there may be no electrical or phone service to relaythe results of the assessment. In some instances, local conditions maycreate a life-threatening situation for personnel attempting to assessthe condition of the property.

From a logistics perspective, further drawbacks exist. After alarge-scale disaster, insurance companies may be required to deployscores of representatives to remote locations with little or no advanceplanning. Such large-scale deployment places a heavy financial burden onthe insurance company and strains personnel resources.

Another drawback to the current process is that the insured may beforced to wait for long periods of time, perhaps months, to receivetheir claim payment from the insurance company. Such a situation isuntenable for many people who have lost their primary residence, andcreates great hardship.

In some insurance applications, sensors fixedly attached to an insuredproperty detect abnormal conditions such as the level of gaseoussubstances, level of water, or the presence of biological agents. Suchin-situ sensors may have some usefulness in the early detection ofhazardous conditions or minor perturbations in the status quo, but areuseless if a catastrophic event such as fire disables or destroys thesensor.

Therefore, there is a need for assessing property conditions that doesnot require on-site personnel or in-situ sensors.

SUMMARY

According to the present application, methods for assessing a conditionof property for insurance purposes include determining a concentrationof a molecular constituent at the insured property. The molecularconstituent may be a byproduct or residual product of anthropogenic fireaccelerants or anthropogenic sources of ignition or explosion. In someembodiments, the concentration of the molecular constituent at theinsured property is determined using spectral imaging technology.Radiative transfer computer models may be used to determine theconcentration of the molecular constituent based on spectral images.

In one embodiment, a method for assessing a condition of an insuredproperty for insurance purposes comprises a computer processordetermining a first spectral signature indicative of a firstconcentration of a molecular constituent at the insured property at afirst timestamp and a second spectral signature indicative of a secondconcentration of the molecular constituent at the insured property at asecond timestamp later than the first timestamp. Further, the computerprocessor determines a spectral difference between the first spectralsignature and the second spectral signature, which corresponds to adifference between the first and second concentrations of the molecularconstituent, and the computer processor determines whether the spectraldifference exceeds a first predetermined threshold value, which isindicative of a change in the condition of the insured property.

In another embodiment, a method for assessing a condition of a propertyfor insurance purposes comprises a computer processor determining aspectral signature indicative of a concentration of a molecularconstituent at the insured property, and determining whether theconcentration of the molecular constituent exceeds a first predeterminedthreshold value, which is indicative of a condition of the insuredproperty.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for collecting a spectralimage to assess a condition of property in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a post-processing system for thespectral image of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of a spectral radiance plot generatedby the post-processing system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a graphic representation of a spectral signature at a singlealtitude generated by the post-processing system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a graphic representation of two spectral signatures at aplurality of altitudes generated by the post-processing system shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is another depiction of the spectral signature generated by thepost-processing system shown in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 7a-7b show a block diagram of a method for assessing a conditionof property in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 8a-8b show a block diagram of a method for assessing a conditionof property in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a system for collecting the spectralimage of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a system for collecting the spectralimage of FIG. 1 in accordance with a further embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a system for collecting the spectralimage of FIG. 1 in accordance with a further embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 for assessing a condition of a targetproperty 16 includes a sensor 12 configured to obtain a first spectralimage 14 of irradiative effects on the target property 16. The sensor 12is located remotely from the target property 16 so as minimize thesensor's vulnerability to local conditions. In the embodiment shown, thesensor 12 includes an imaging spectrometer operating in the infrared,visible and ultraviolet bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. It willbe appreciated that the sensor 12 may operate in additional spectralranges within the electromagnetic spectrum. Additionally, the sensor 12may be further configured for measuring the surface albedo of the targetproperty 16. For example, sensor 12 may include an albedometer, such asAlbedometer CMP 11 made by Kipp & Zonen of the Netherlands. Accordingly,the sensor 12 may be configured to obtain a surface albedo measurement60 of the target property 16. Although the albedometer is described asbeing included in the sensor 12, it should be appreciated that thealbedometer may be provided as a separate sensor. The sensor 12 isadvantageously housed in a carrier vehicle 18 to protect the delicatenature of its instrumentation. In the embodiment shown, the carriervehicle 18 is a satellite in low-earth orbit. An examplesatellite/sensor system operative with the present invention is theTropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) sensor aboard the EarthObserving System AURA satellite, launched Jul. 15, 2004.

In the disclosed embodiment, the sensor 12 acquires the first spectralimage 14 and transmits it to an image processor 20 for storage on a datastorage medium 22. Additionally, the sensor 12 may obtain the surfacealbedo measurement 60 of the target property 16 and transmit it forstorage on the data storage medium 22. The location of the data storagemedium 22 is not critical to the disclosed invention. For example, thedata storage medium 22 may be located on the carrier vehicle 18, or at aremote signal processing facility 24 located on the ground, as shown inFIG. 1.

The quality of the first spectral image 14 is dependent on upon thetechnology employed in the sensor 12, but generally depends upon thespectral, radiometric, and spatial resolutions. Spectral resolutionrefers to the number of frequency bands recorded, including frequencybands within the microwave, infrared, visible and ultraviolet spectrums.In the disclosed embodiment, the sensor 12 operates in the infrared,visible and ultraviolet bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, but thoseskilled in the art will appreciate other exemplary sensors 12 operate inup to 31 bands within a spectrum.

Radiometric resolution refers to the number of different intensities ofradiation the sensor is able to distinguish. Typically, intensitiesrange from 8 bits (256 levels of gray scale) to 14 bits (16,384 shadesof color) depending on the particular need and storage capability of thedata storage medium 22. In the disclosed embodiment, a range of 14 bitsin each band is preferred.

Spatial resolution refers to the size of a pixel recorded in an image.Current technology allows spatial resolutions as fine as a 1-meter sidelength. For most applications in the present invention, a 3-meter sidelength is sufficient resolution. However, in some specializedapplications discussed below, a 1-meter side length is preferred.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first spectral image 14 stored on the datastorage medium 22 is post-processed by a post-processor 26 and convertedto a first spectral radiance plot 28. In the conversion process,information is added to the file such as time, date, the location of thetarget property 16, and the location of the carrier vehicle 18. Often,radiometric and frequency calibrations are made to correct for thegeolocation discrepancies. In another example system 10, thepost-processor 26 is the image processor 20, meaning the image processor20 additionally performs the conversion function. The first spectralradiance plot 28 is stored in a data storage device 30 as an input 34for a radiative transfer computer model 36.

The radiative transfer computer model 36 is in communication with aserver 35, and preferably executed on the server. As shown in FIG. 2,the server 35 uses the first spectral image 14 or the spectral radianceplot 28 as input 34 to the model 36. In one example system 10, theserver 35 converts the first spectral image 14 to the first spectralradiance plot, thereby eliminating the need for the post-processor 26.The model 36 generates an output 38 corresponding to a condition of thetarget property 16, thereby establishing a first spectral signature 42of the target property 16. The first spectral signature 42 may be storedin a historical database 45, which in some examples is the same databaseas the data storage device 30.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first spectral radiance plot 28 is shown ingreater detail. In the example shown, the radiance of molecularconstituents is shown as a function of wavenumber at a single altitude.In particular, the radiance of carbon is depicted, notated by itselement symbol (C). The first spectral radiance plot 28 serves as theinput 34 to the radiative transfer computer model 36, which in oneexample generates the output 38 corresponding to the concentration ofcarbon in the atmosphere at the given altitude.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the first spectral radiance plot 28 stored inthe data storage device 30 may be generated from the first spectralimage 14 acquired by the remote sensor 12. In another embodiment of thepresent invention, the first spectral radiance plot 28 is stored in apublic database 31 and transferred to the data storage device 30.Similar spectral radiance plots 28 may be accessed from public databasessuch as the high-resolution transmission molecular absorption database(HITRAN), or the Gestion et Etude des Informations SpectroscopiquesAtmosphériques spectroscopic data base (GEISA). In the disclosedexample, the first spectral radiance plot 28 from the public database 31serves as the input 34 to the radiative transfer computer model 36.

The radiative transfer computer model 36 solves the inverse problemcommon to remote sensing applications. An inverse problem refers to thedilemma encountered in attempting to determine a condition for which nodirect measurements can be made. The problem takes the form:

data=function(parameter)

where data is a plurality of discrete measurements, the parameter is thecondition to be determined, and the function is a mathematicalrelationship between the data and the parameter. Initially, neither thefunction nor the parameter is known. Since the parameter is ultimatelywhat needs to be determined, the problem takes the form:

parameter=function⁻¹(data)

or, as applied to the disclosed embodiment of the present invention:

spectral signature=function⁻¹(spectral radiance plot)

The inverse function can be linear or, as in most cases, non-linear.Determination of the inverse function is difficult because the data isnon-continuous and inherently contains some degree of noise. Thesensitivity of the noise in relation to the parameter being determinedis unknown initially, and must be approximated.

The radiative transfer computer model 36 typically includes twocomponents: a series of forward models and one inverse model. Theforward models iteratively predict the inverse function based upon theplurality of discrete measurements. Using a nonlinear least squaresapproach, each forward model tests the discrete measurements (i.e.observed data) against the parameters predicted by the inverse function,then successively refines the inverse function to achieve a betterapproximation. When the forward model ultimately converges with theobserved data, the resulting inverse function is used in the radiativetransfer computer model 36 to output the first spectral signature 42.

Radiative transfer computer models 36 exist in the public domain toassist in establishing the first spectral signature 42. One modelcurrently available to the public is the line-by-line radiative transfermodel (LBLRTM) developed by Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc.(www.aer.com). Other radiative transfer models currently available tothe public include the GENLN2, LINEPAK, and FIRE-ARMS. Alternatively,the radiative transfer computer model 36 may be custom built to suit theparticular needs of the end user.

Referring to FIG. 4, the output 38 of the radiative transfer computermodel 36 generates the first spectral signature 42 of the targetproperty 16 at a first timestamp 32. In the disclosed example, the firstspectral signature 42 comprises a concentration of a specific moleculeor constituent, such as, for example, methane (CH₄), carbon (C), watervapor (H₂O), carbon monoxide (CO), or nitrous oxide (N₂O). The spectralsignature 42 may further comprise a vertical concentration profile,which characterizes the concentration of a molecule or constituent atvarious altitudes ranging from zero (surface) to approximately 10,000meters. As will be discussed below, other spectral signatures 42 arepossible.

In some instances, an insurance company may wish to utilize the firstspectral signature 42 for a particular molecule or constituent todetermine if an abnormal condition exists on the target property 16 orif an abnormal condition on the target property 16 may be the result ofpotential fraud. Various spectral signatures corresponding to variousmolecules or constituents (e.g., first spectral signature 42) may serveas baseline reference values for future comparisons. Thus, variousspectral signatures corresponding to various molecules or constituents(e.g., first spectral signature 42) may be stored on the historicaldatabase 45 for future reference.

Referring to FIG. 5, an insurance company may assess the condition ofthe target property 16 at some other, later time. A second spectralsignature 46 is acquired at a second timestamp 48 later than the firsttimestamp 32 using the aforementioned remote sensing method. Theinsurance company may define a threshold value 51 above which anabnormal condition is deemed to exist on the target property 16 or abovewhich potential fraud is suspected. The threshold value 51 may be anabsolute number, such as a level or concentration of a molecularconstituent. Alternatively, for example, the threshold value 51 may be arelative value, such as a percentage increase in a molecular constituentover a baseline value (e.g., first spectral signature 42).

Still referring to FIG. 5, the first spectral signature 42 at the firsttimestamp 32 is exemplified as the concentration of carbon as a functionof altitude. The second spectral signature 46 at the second timestamp 48is similarly shown. Comparison between the first spectral signature 42and the second spectral signature 46 establishes a spectral difference50, shown in the shaded area of the graph. If the spectral difference 50exceeds the threshold value 51, an insurance-related action istriggered. The particular threshold value 51 varies based upon molecularconstituency, for example, as well as the requirements of the insurancecompany. However, the threshold values 51 may be determined and storedin the data storage device 30, as shown in FIG. 2. In the example shownin FIG. 5, the threshold value 51, denoted as (T), is shown as anabsolute value of 50,000 parts per million (ppm). As can be seen, thesecond spectral signature 46 exceeds the threshold value 51 in the loweratmosphere. Thus, an abnormal condition is deemed to exist at the targetproperty 16, and the insurance company will initiate aninsurance-related action.

Referring back to FIG. 2, server 35 may communicate with remote computersystems 71, 72 in the insurance company's network. For example, server35 may be connected to a work queue computer 71 or payment systemcomputer so that messages can be transmitted from the server to initiatean insurance-related action. For example, server 35 may send a messageindicating an abnormal condition at a target property 16 to a work queuein a remote computer 71 for an investigator to perform a fraudinvestigation or for an agent to perform a field inspection. Also,server 35 may send a message to the insurance company's payment computersystem 72 for a stop payment or recovery of payment based on adetermination of fraud or potential fraud.

In the disclosed example of FIG. 5, a high level of carbon, wherepreviously the concentration was relatively small, indicates a change tothe condition at the target property 16, namely burning. In otherinstances, the presence of high levels of particular molecularconstituents may indicate potential fraud. Certain molecularconstituents are known byproducts and/or residual products of fireaccelerants and/or explosives. For example, the use of fire accelerantsmay create oxygen-starved fires, which create high levels of carbon andcarbon monoxide. Also, when gasoline is used as a fire accelerant, highlevels of octanes may be found. Table 1 below shows exemplary molecularconstituents that are known byproducts or residual products of fireaccelerants and explosives. Table 1 indicates the type of molecularconstituent, the corresponding absorption peak (at various wavelengths)and the associated anthropogenic source.

TABLE 1 ABSORPTION PEAK TYPE cm⁻¹ (nm) ASSOCIATED SOURCE Alcohols1040-1060 cm⁻¹ Fire Accelerants (9434-9615 nm) ~1100 cm⁻¹ (~9091 nm)1150-1200 cm⁻¹ (8333-8696 nm) Phenols 1200 cm⁻¹ Plastic Explosives (8333nm) Nitro compounds 1540 cm⁻¹ Nitrogen-based (fertilizer) (6494 nm)Explosives, TNT Explosives 1380 cm⁻¹ (7246 nm) 1520, 1350 cm⁻¹(7407-6579 nm) NOH oxime O—H (stretch) 3550-3600 cm⁻¹ Nitrogen-based(fertilizer) C═N 1650-1680 cm⁻¹ Explosives, TNT Explosives N—O 930-960cm⁻¹ N—O amine oxide Aliphatic 940-980 cm⁻¹ Nitrogen-based (fertilizer)Aromatic 1200-1300 cm⁻¹ Explosives, TNT Explosives N═O Nitroso 1500-1600cm⁻¹ Nitrogen-based (fertilizer) Nitro 1510-1550 cm⁻¹, Explosives, TNTExplosives 1320-1380 cm⁻¹ N₂-based 58800-71500 cm⁻¹ Nitrogen-based(fertilizer) Explosives, TNT Explosives, Plastic Explosives

Referring to FIGS. 7a-7b , a method 100 for assessing a condition ofproperty for insurance purposes comprises a step 102 of acquiring thefirst spectral image 14 at a first timestamp from the remote sensor 12operating in at least the infrared, visible and ultraviolet bands of theelectromagnetic spectrum. The first spectral image 14 may be convertedto the first spectral radiance plot 28 at a step 104. The first spectralimage 14 and/or the first spectral radiance plot 28 are stored on thedata storage device 30 at a step 106 to be used as the input 34 for theradiative transfer computer model 36. At a step 108, the radiativetransfer computer model 36 processes the input 34 and at a step 110generates the first spectral signature 42 as the output 38. The firstspectral signature 42 corresponds to a condition of the target property16, such as the amount of carbon at ground level. At a step 112, thefirst spectral signature 42 may be stored in the historical database 45as a baseline for future reference.

The condition of the target property 16 may be assessed at the secondtimestamp 48 later than the first timestamp 32. In a step 114, a secondspectral image 43 is acquired in the same manner as the first spectralimage 14, as shown in FIG. 1. The second spectral image 43 may beconverted to a second spectral radiance plot 44 at a step 116. Thesecond spectral image 43 and/or the second spectral radiance plot 44 areused as input 34 for the radiative transfer computer model 36 which, inthe step 108, processes the input 34 to generate the second spectralsignature 46 as the output 38 in a step 120, as also shown in FIG. 2.

The spectral difference 50 is determined at a step 122 by accessing thefirst spectral signature 42 stored in the historical database 45 andcomparing it to the second spectral signature 46 generated at the step120. The spectral difference 50 represents a change in the concentrationof a molecular constituent associated with a change to the condition ofthe target property 16, which may have been potentially caused withintent to defraud the insurance company. In some cases, the change inconcentration of the molecular constituent may exceed the thresholdvalue 51 for the spectral signature of the molecular constituent beingcompared. For example, in a step 124, the spectral difference 50 iscompared to the threshold value 51. If the spectral difference 50exceeds the threshold value 51, the computer server 35 aninsurance-related action at a step 126.

In one example, the insurance-related action may be initiating a claimbecause the spectral difference indicates the target property 16 hasbeen lost to a fire. In another example, the insurance related actionmay be transmitting a message indicating potential fraud or initiating afraud investigation, because the spectral difference indicates a highlevel of a molecular constituent associated with fraudulent activity.For example, the spectral difference may indicate a high level of amolecular constituent that is a byproduct or residual product ofanthropogenic fire accelerants or anthropogenic sources of ignition orexplosion. Accordingly, server 35 may send a message indicating anabnormal condition at a target property 16 to a work queue in a remotecomputer 71 for an investigator to perform a fraud investigation or foran agent to perform a field inspection. Also, server 35 may send amessage to the insurance company's payment computer system 72 for a stoppayment or recovery of payment based on a determination of fraud orpotential fraud.

In an alternative embodiment, steps 123 and 125 may be performed insteadof steps 122 and 124. In a step 123, a concentration of a molecularconstituent is determined from the second spectral signature 46. Theconcentration of the molecular constituent may be associated with acondition of the target property 16, which may have been potentiallycaused with intent to defraud the insurance company. If theconcentration of the molecular constituent from the spectral signature46 exceeds the threshold value 51, the computer server 35 aninsurance-related action at a step 126.

In one example, the insurance-related action may be initiating a claimbecause the concentration of the molecular constituent indicates achange in condition to the target property 16 (e.g., fire damage,flooding). In another example, the insurance related action may betransmitting a message indicating potential fraud or initiating a fraudinvestigation, because the concentration of the molecular constituentindicates abnormal levels associated with fraudulent activity. Moreparticularly, server 35 may send a message indicating an abnormalcondition at a target property 16 to a work queue in a remote computer71 for an investigator to perform a fraud investigation or for an agentto perform a field inspection. Also, server 35 may send a message to theinsurance company's payment computer system 72 for a stop payment orrecovery of payment based on a determination of fraud or potentialfraud.

The threshold value 51 may be a baseline value based on theconcentration of a molecular constituent under various normalconditions. The threshold value may be set such that a spectraldifference 50 or a concentration of a molecular constituent exceedingthe threshold value provides a strong indication of an abnormalcondition at the target property 16. For example, the threshold valuefor a molecular constituent may be set some percentage above normalconcentrations of the molecular constituent. The threshold value 51 maybe established with respect to a molecular constituent that is abyproduct or residual product of burning, flooding, anthropogenic fireaccelerants or anthropogenic sources of ignition or explosion. Thus,when the spectral difference 50 or concentration of a molecularconstituent from anthropogenic sources exceeds the threshold value 51,it may be possible to determine potential fraud or abnormal conditionsassociated with the target property 16. Additionally, the thresholdvalue 51 may be a baseline value particular to the target property 16 ora generally known baseline value for the molecular constituent.

In some instances, an insurance company may wish to utilize the firstsurface albedo measurement 60 as a baseline reference value to determineif an abnormal condition exists on the target property 16 at a latertime or to determine if an abnormal condition on the target property 16at a later time may be the result of potential fraud. Thus, the firstsurface albedo measurement 60 may be stored on the historical database45 for future reference. Accordingly, an insurance company may assessthe condition of the target property 16 at some later time by taking asecond surface albedo measurement 61 at a time after the first surfacealbedo measurement 60 is taken, by using the aforementioned remotesensing method. The insurance company may define a threshold value 52above which an abnormal condition is deemed to exist on the targetproperty 16 or above which potential fraud is suspected. The thresholdvalue 52 may be an absolute number, such as a level of surface albedo.Alternatively, for example, the threshold value 52 may be a relativevalue, such as a percentage increase in surface albedo over a baselinevalue (e.g. first surface albedo measurement 60). Surface albedo, asused herein, refers to the ability of a surface to reflect light (i.e.the ratio of reflected radiation from the surface to incident radiationupon it).

For example, an abnormally high surface albedo measurement 60 may beindicative of a compression crater created by an explosion. The surfaceof a compression crater in the ground created by an explosion has adifferent surface density and water content than a normal groundsurface, which results in a surface albedo that is higher than normal.The particular threshold value 52 varies based upon surface conditionsat the target site as well as the requirements of the insurance company.However, the threshold values 52 may be determined and stored in thedata storage device 30, as shown in FIG. 2. Table 2 below shows typicalsurface albedo values for various types of terrains and conditions.Accordingly, the threshold value 52 may be adjusted depending on theterrain or condition found at the target site.

TABLE 2 SURFACE ALBEDO (%) Fresh snow or ice 60-90 Old, melting snow40-70 Clouds 40-90 Desert sand 30-50 Soil  5-30 Tundra 15-35 Grasslands18-25 Forest  5-20 Water  5-10

Still referring to FIGS. 7a-7b , the method 100 may also include a step130 of acquiring the first surface albedo measurement 60 from the remotesensor 12 operating in at least the infrared, visible and ultravioletbands of the electromagnetic spectrum. At a step 132, the first surfacealbedo measurement 60 may be stored in the historical database 45 as abaseline reference value for future reference. In a step 133, a secondsurface albedo measurement 61 may be acquired in the same manner as thefirst surface albedo measurement 60, as shown in FIG. 1. The computerserver 35 determines a surface albedo difference 62 at a step 134 byaccessing the first surface albedo measurement 60 stored in thehistorical database 45 and comparing it to the second surface albedomeasurement 61 generated at the step 133. The surface albedo difference62 represents a change in the condition of the target property 16, whichmay have been potentially caused with intent to defraud the insurancecompany. In a step 136, the computer server 35 compares the surfacealbedo difference 62 to the threshold value 52. If the surface albedodifference 62 exceeds the threshold value 52, the computer server 35initiates an insurance-related action at a step 126. In one example, theinsurance-related action may be initiating a claim. In another example,the insurance related action may be transmitting a message indicatingpotential fraud or initiating a fraud investigation, because the surfacealbedo difference 62 indicates a surface condition associated withfraudulent activity.

In an alternative embodiment, a step 137 may be performed instead ofsteps 134 and 136. In a step 137, the computer server 35 determineswhether the second surface albedo measurement 61 exceeds the thresholdvalue 52. If the second surface albedo measurement 61 exceeds thethreshold value 52, the computer server 35 initiates aninsurance-related action at a step 126. In one example, theinsurance-related action may be initiating a claim. In another example,the insurance related action may be transmitting a message indicatingpotential fraud or initiating a fraud investigation.

In some examples, the spatial resolution of the sensor 12 may besufficiently fine to ascertain the degree of damage at the targetproperty 16. Referring to FIG. 6, a plot 54 includes a planform 56 ofthe target property 16 (e.g. a house) overlaid thereon. The secondspectral signature 46 is shown wherein the carbon level is plotted as afunction of the square area of the target property 16. Areas A through Dare indicative of decreasing levels of carbon, with level A being thehighest. A sensor 12 with a spatial resolution of approximately 1-meterside length would allow a determination of whether the entire targetproperty 16 was burning (or had burned), or if only a partial loss ofthe target property 16 had been sustained. The example shown in FIG. 6is representative of a partial loss. The determination of the damageaffects the amount of the insurance insurance-related action, namelyclaim settlement.

Referring to FIGS. 8a-8b , wherein like numerals indicate like elements,a method 200 for assessing a condition of property for insurancepurposes comprises a step 210 wherein the first spectral signature 42 atthe first timestamp 32 is acquired from the public database 31. Thefirst spectral image 14 and the first spectral radiance plot 28 may alsobe acquired from the public database 31 if needed. The first spectralsignature 42, and optionally the first spectral image 14 and firstspectral radiance plot 28, are stored on the historical database 45 forfuture use at a step 212. At the second, later timestamp 48, the method200 further comprises a step 214 wherein the second spectral image 43 isacquired from the remote sensor 12 operating in the electromagneticspectrum. The second spectral image 43 may be converted to the secondspectral radiance plot 44 at a step 216. The second spectral image 43and/or the second spectral radiance plot 44 are used as the input 34 forthe radiative transfer computer model 36 which, in a step 218, processesthe input 34 to generate the second spectral signature 46 as the output38 in a step 220. The first spectral signature 42 and the secondspectral signature 46 comprise at least one molecular constituentconcentration. In one example, the molecular constituent concentrationis the percentage of water vapor in the lower atmosphere.

The spectral difference 50 is determined at a step 222 by accessing thefirst spectral signature 42 stored in the public database 31 andcomparing it to the second spectral signature 46 generated at the step220. The spectral difference 50 represents a change to the condition ofthe target property 16. In some cases, the change may exceed thethreshold value 51 for the particular spectral signature being compared.For example, in a step 224 the spectral difference 50 is compared to thethreshold value 51. If the spectral difference 50 exceeds the thresholdvalue 51, the computer server 35 initiates an insurance-related actionat a step 226.

In one example, the insurance-related action is initiating a claimbecause the spectral difference indicates the target property 16 hasbeen lost to a flood. In another example, the insurance related actionmay be transmitting a message indicating potential fraud or initiating afraud investigation, because the spectral difference indicates a highlevel of a molecular constituent associated with fraudulent activity.For example, the spectral difference may indicate a high level of amolecular constituent that is a byproduct or residual product ofanthropogenic fire accelerants or anthropogenic sources of ignition orexplosion. Accordingly, server 35 may send a message indicating anabnormal condition at a target property 16 to a work queue in a remotecomputer 71 for an investigator to perform a fraud investigation or foran agent to perform a field inspection. Also, server 35 may send amessage to the insurance company's payment computer system 72 for a stoppayment or recovery of payment based on a determination of fraud orpotential fraud.

In an alternative embodiment, steps 223 and 225 may be performed insteadof steps 222 and 224. In a step 223, a concentration of a molecularconstituent is determined from the second spectral signature 46. Theconcentration of the molecular constituent may be associated with acondition of the target property 16, which may have been potentiallycaused with intent to defraud the insurance company. If theconcentration of the molecular constituent from the spectral signature46 exceeds the threshold value 51, the computer server 35 aninsurance-related action at a step 226.

In one example, the insurance-related action may be initiating a claimbecause the concentration of the molecular constituent indicates achange in condition to the target property 16 (e.g., fire damage,flooding). In another example, the insurance related action may betransmitting a message indicating potential fraud or initiating a fraudinvestigation, because the concentration of the molecular constituentindicates abnormal levels associated with fraudulent activity. Moreparticularly, server 35 may send a message indicating an abnormalcondition at a target property 16 to a work queue in a remote computer71 for an investigator to perform a fraud investigation or for an agentto perform a field inspection. Also, server 35 may send a message to theinsurance company's payment computer system 72 for a stop payment orrecovery of payment based on a determination of fraud or potentialfraud.

The threshold value 51 may be a baseline value based on theconcentration of a molecular constituent under various normalconditions. The threshold value may be set such that a spectraldifference 50 or concentration of a molecular constituent exceeding thethreshold value provides a strong indication of an abnormal condition atthe target property 16. For example, the threshold value for a molecularconstituent may be set some percentage above normal concentrations ofthe molecular constituent. The threshold value 51 may be establishedwith respect to a molecular constituent that is a byproduct or residualproduct of burning, flooding, anthropogenic fire accelerants oranthropogenic sources of ignition or explosion. Thus, when the spectraldifference 50 or concentration of a molecular constituent fromanthropogenic sources exceeds the threshold value 51, it may be possibleto determine potential fraud or abnormal conditions associated with thetarget property 16. Additionally, the threshold value 51 may be abaseline value particular to the target property 16 or a generally knownbaseline value for the molecular constituent.

Still referring to FIGS. 8a-8b , the method 200 may also include a step230 of acquiring the first surface albedo measurement 60 from the remotesensor 12 operating in at least the infrared, visible and ultravioletbands of the electromagnetic spectrum. At a step 232, the first surfacealbedo measurement 60 may be stored in the historical database 45 as abaseline reference value for future reference. In a step 233, a secondsurface albedo measurement 61 may be acquired in the same manner as thefirst surface albedo measurement 60, as shown in FIG. 1. At a step 234,the computer server 35 determines a surface albedo difference 62 byaccessing the first surface albedo measurement 60 stored in thehistorical database 45 and comparing it to the second surface albedomeasurement 61. The surface albedo difference 62 represents a change inthe condition of the target property 16, which may have been potentiallycaused with intent to defraud the insurance company. In a step 236, thecomputer server 35 compares the surface albedo difference 62 to thethreshold value 52. If the surface albedo difference 62 exceeds thethreshold value 52, the computer server 35 initiates aninsurance-related action at a step 226. In one example, theinsurance-related action may be initiating a claim. In another example,the insurance related action may be transmitting a message indicatingpotential fraud or initiating a fraud investigation, because the surfacealbedo difference 62 indicates a surface condition associated withfraudulent activity.

In an alternative embodiment, a step 237 may be performed instead ofsteps 234 and 236. In a step 237, the computer server 35 determineswhether the second surface albedo measurement 61 exceeds the thresholdvalue 52. If the second surface albedo measurement 61 exceeds thethreshold value 52, the computer server 35 initiates aninsurance-related action at a step 226. In one example, theinsurance-related action may be initiating a claim. In another example,the insurance related action may be transmitting a message indicatingpotential fraud or initiating a fraud investigation.

In operation, the sensor 12 preferably measures upwelling radiation,that is, the component of radiation (either reflected solar or emittedterrestrial) that is directed upward from the earth's surface. Theupwelling sensor 12, typically located high in the atmosphere, measuresradiation emitted from ground objects below, such as the target property16. Spectral signatures 42, 46 such as concentration of carbon at groundlevel are useful in determining changes in the condition of propertiesof structures. The upwelling sensor 12 may also measure radiationemitted from an atmospheric mixing layer 58 in the vicinity of thetarget property 16, as shown in FIG. 1. Typically, the mixing layer 58extends from ground level to approximately 10,000 thousand feetaltitude. Measurements in the mixing layer 58 of the atmosphere areuseful to ascertain differences from the normal molecular constituents.

The spectral images 14, 43 obtained by the sensor 12 may be across abroad spectrum of radiation frequencies, but other spectral signatures42, 46 are possible without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, in another example of the present invention, thevisible light spectrum (700 nm to 400 nm) may be utilized to obtain thefirst spectral signature 42 on the target property 16. The sensor 12,comprising high-resolution photographic or video imaging equipment, isemployed to establish the first spectral signature 42 at the firsttimestamp 32, and the second spectral signature 46 at the second, latertimestamp 48. Comparison of the two spectral signatures yields thespectral difference 50, which is compared to the threshold value 51. Inthe disclosed example, the threshold value 51 corresponds to a visualthreshold in the condition of the target property 16.

The sensor 12 may be housed in the carrier vehicle 18 such as asatellite far above the target property 16 or, alternatively, the sensor12 may be housed in a carrier vehicle closer to the ground. Referring toFIG. 9, the sensor 12 is shown in a carrier vehicle 18A such as anairplane or remotely piloted vehicle. The sensor 12 may also be housedin a carrier vehicle 18B such as a weather balloon. Referring to FIG.10, the sensor 12 may be housed in a tall building 18C, or acommunications tower 18D. In the illustrated examples, the sensor 12 islocated remotely from the target property 16. However, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the sensor 12 may be a ground sensor. For example, as shown inFIG. 11, the sensor 12 may be housed in a handheld device 18E so that aperson (e.g., insurance agent, insured, etc.) may acquire spectralimages and/or surface albedo measurements from the ground.Alternatively, as also shown in FIG. 11, the sensor 12 may be housed ina robot 18F that may be operated remotely so that spectral images and/orsurface albedo measurements may be acquired from the ground.

Other insurance-related actions, such as underwriting, are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the invention. In another feature ofthe present invention, the sensor 12 is positioned to capture the firstspectral image 14 of the target property 16. Typically, the targetproperty 16 is an insured interest, such as real property, dwellings,and personal property, such as motor vehicles. However, the targetproperty 16 may also comprise an uninsured interest which the insurancecompany is considering underwriting. In one example, the insurancecompany scans the target property 16 to ascertain any conditions thatmay be out of the ordinary, such as anthropogenic substances. The secondspectral signature 46 is established by the system 10 and/or methods100, 200 disclosed herein, and compared to the first spectral signature42 obtained from the public database 31. The spectral difference 50 mayreveal high levels of methane (CH₄), indicative of a possible druglaboratory. In response to the changes in the condition of the targetproperty 16, the insurance company may elect not to underwrite a policy.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the insurance-relatedaction is sharing the condition of the target property 16 with a thirdparty, such as the insured, a different insurance company, or agovernment agency. By disclosing the condition to a third party, theinsurance company may prevent further monetary loss or damage. Forexample, if the condition of the target property 16 indicates flooding,the insurance company may notify the property or local emergencypersonnel. Disclosure of the condition with government agencies, such asthe Federal Emergency Management Agency for example, could aid incoordinating allocation of equipment or supplies when FEMA personnel areunable to access the target property 16 directly.

In another feature of the present invention, the effects of infraredradiation on water vapor are utilized to determine flooding. Aspreviously stated, the constituent profile of the Earth's loweratmosphere is well known, including water vapor content, andpublicly-available databases serve as the first spectral signature 42.The insurance company obtains the second spectral signature 46 of thetarget property 16 at the second timestamp 48, and compares it to thefirst spectral signature 42. If the target property 16 is flooded,abnormally high levels of water vapor will be detected by the spectraldifference 50. Accordingly, the computer server 35 the insurance-relatedaction, namely a claim, to cover the loss.

One advantage of the present system is that the condition of the targetproperty 16 can be ascertained without sending personnel directly to thelocation. This is particularly advantageous in the event of acatastrophic loss, such as that encountered after a hurricane or flood.Insurance personnel may not have direct access to the target property 16to assess its condition. In addition, local power interruptions andblackouts may prevent insurance personnel from transmitting any data toa home office for processing. Thus, the insurance-related action, suchas a claim, may be delayed weeks, or even months, until such time as thetarget property 16 can be accurately assessed. The present inventionallows insurance claims to be processed much quicker with less risk tothe insurance company and its personnel. Insurance personnel are notexposed to dangerous environments, and the insurance company canaccurately assess the condition of the target property 16.

Another advantage of the present system is that the sensor 12 is notsubjected to the conditions of the local environment. In the event of acatastrophic loss, in-situ sensors may be damaged or lost, and thereforeunable to transmit data. Sensor 12 located remotely from the targetproperty 16 will still function.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the insurance-relatedaction such as a claim may be initiated sooner than by the prior artprocess of sending personnel. In some instances, such as when the targetproperty 16 is in a remote location, an insurance claim could beprocessed before the property owner realized there was damage.

Another advantage of the present invention is that changes to thephysical condition of the target property 16 may be ascertained eventhough the changes are not visible to the naked eye, or able to berecorded by photographic means. For example, the target property 16 mayhave a high level of non-naturally occurring substances such aschlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The system 10 and methods 100, 200 disclosedherein allow the insurance company to conduct the insurance-relatedaction, for example a risk assessment, to determine if the targetproperty 16 would suit the portfolio of the insurance company. The riskassessment is conducted with no human exposure to the CFCs present onthe target property 16. Thus, the present invention is useful for riskavoidance or risk minimization.

Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to thedetailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in form and detail thereof may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, the sensor 12 may acquire the spectral images 14, 43 in themicrowave spectrum (10 to 0.01 cm) or the ultraviolet spectrum (4×10⁻⁵to 10⁻⁷ cm). The spectral images 14, 43 gathered in this manner areprocessed in a similar manner as infrared imagery.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for assessing a condition of an insured property for insurance purposes, the method comprising the steps of: determining, by a computer processor, a first spectral signature indicative of a first concentration of a molecular constituent at the insured property at a first timestamp; determining, by the computer processor, a second spectral signature indicative of a second concentration of the molecular constituent at the insured property at a second timestamp later than the first timestamp; determining, by the computer processor, a spectral difference between the first spectral signature and the second spectral signature, the spectral difference corresponding to a difference between the first and second concentrations of the molecular constituent; and determining, by the computer processor, whether the spectral difference exceeds a first predetermined threshold value, which is indicative of a change in the condition of the insured property.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first spectral signature is determined from a first spectral image of radiation emitted at the insured property at the first timestamp; wherein the second spectral signature is determined from a second spectral image of radiation emitted at the insured property at the second timestamp.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first spectral image and the second spectral image are generated by a remote sensor operating in the infrared, visible and ultraviolet bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.
 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: analyzing, by the computer processor, a surface albedo measurement of the insured property; determining, by the computer processor, whether the surface albedo measurement exceeds a second predetermined threshold value.
 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: transmitting, by the computer processor, a message indicating potential insurance fraud if the spectral difference exceeds the first predetermined threshold value and/or the surface albedo measurement exceeds the second predetermined threshold value.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the molecular constituent is a byproduct or residual product of anthropogenic fire accelerants or anthropogenic sources of ignition or explosion.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the molecular constituent is selected from the group consisting of alcohols, phenols, nitro compounds, NOH oxime, N—O amine oxide, N═O, and N₂-based compounds.
 8. The method according to claim 2, wherein the computer processor executes a radiative transfer computer model, the model processing an input comprising the second spectral image and generating an output comprising the second spectral signature, wherein the processing includes a plurality of forward models and at least one inverse model.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the input of the radiative transfer computer model further comprises the first spectral image and the output of the radiative transfer computer model further comprises the first spectral signature.
 10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of converting the first spectral image to a first spectral radiance plot, the input to the radiative transfer computer model comprising the first spectral radiance plot.
 11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising a step of converting the second spectral image to a second spectral radiance plot, the input to the radiative transfer computer model comprising the second spectral radiance plot.
 12. A method for assessing a condition of a property for insurance purposes, the method comprising the steps of: determining, by a computer processor, a spectral signature indicative of a concentration of a molecular constituent at the insured property; and determining, by the computer processor, whether the concentration of the molecular constituent exceeds a first predetermined threshold value, which is indicative of a condition of the insured property.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the spectral signature is determined from a spectral image of radiation emitted at the insured property.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the spectral image is generated by a remote sensor operating in the infrared, visible and ultraviolet bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.
 15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: analyzing, by the computer processor, a surface albedo measurement of the insured property; determining, by the computer processor, whether the surface albedo measurement exceeds a second predetermined threshold value.
 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: transmitting, by the computer processor, a message indicating potential insurance fraud if the concentration of the molecular constituent exceeds the first predetermined threshold value and/or the surface albedo measurement exceeds the second predetermined threshold value.
 17. The method according to claim 12, wherein the molecular constituent is a byproduct or residual product of anthropogenic fire accelerants or anthropogenic sources of ignition or explosion.
 18. The method according to claim 12, wherein the molecular constituent is selected from the group consisting of alcohols, phenols, nitro compounds, NOH oxime, N—O amine oxide, N═O, and N₂-based compounds.
 19. The method according to claim 13, wherein the computer processor executes a radiative transfer computer model, the radiative transfer computer model processing an input comprising the spectral image and generating an output comprising the spectral signature indicative of the concentration of the molecular constituent, wherein the radiative transfer computer model includes a plurality of forward models and at least one inverse model.
 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising a step of converting the spectral image to a spectral radiance plot, the input to the radiative transfer computer model comprising the spectral radiance plot. 